This advice, after some consideration, met with general concurrence; it was agreed that the King, with Aziek and their prudent guide, should pass first to Chiozzi; from thence through Ferrara to Florence, so to Leghorn, and finally take ship for Marseilles. Such of his Portuguese as chose to join him on his route might rendezvous at Florence, where they were not likely to be known or stayed, and they might then proceed all together to Marseilles. Upon this arrangement the consultation ended, and leaving their well-beloved monarch to the care of Juan De Castro and of Don Christopher; the several Portuguese repaired to their respective lodgings, wishing the morning soon to appear, since they were permitted to return at noon, in order to be introduced to their Queen. The next day re-assembled the friends of Sebastian. Kara Aziek entered the apartment where they met, with extreme emotion, so much had she to look back upon with horror, so much to look forward to with anxiety! yet gratitude and joy were in her bosom, and on her countenance. She presented herself to the Portuguese with a timid grace, (as if beseeching them to love her for their sovereign’s sake) her gentle demeanor won all their hearts, and when the separate nobles repeated their oaths of fidelity to Sebastian, thanks, mixed with tears and smiles, heightened the interest excited by her beauty. Juan De Castro had undertaken the task of conveying letters to his cousin Medina Sidonia, and to Blanche; this prospect gladdened the mother’s spirit, and she now entered into discourse of their momentous departure with cheerful courage. The assembly separated before dusk, and at night-fall, attired as pilgrims, with Father Chrysostom in his monk’s habit, Kara Aziek and Sebastian took their eventful departure from Venice. The speed with which they journeyed induced them to hope that they should reach Florence (where Don Christopher and De Castro were gone to await them) ere suspicion of their route could arise. The Venetians concluded that Sebastian’s escape would, if possible be made to England, and of course the Castillian ambassador’s search after him would be directed to the shores of the Adriatic; this idea was what determined Chrysostom to take the route of Tuscany. CHAP. VI. Day was just breaking when the travellers reached the gates of Florence. “We are now safe!” exclaimed Father Chrysostom, “here ends our toil.” “Not absolutely,” replied Sebastian, looking gladly around him, “till I rest these weary limbs in Portugal, my fatigues cannot be said to cease.” “But we are almost safe,” whispered Aziek, “beyond the Venetian territory we may breathe and dismiss apprehension.” Chrysostom turned on her as she spoke, and his dark grey eyes assumed an expression that made her recoil; ere she recovered from the strange alarm they struck into her, he had seized a hand of each, and bringing them through the gates which were just opening, stopped before a party of military.